As we age, many of us seek a lifestyle that offers security, convenience, and community. Retirement villages have emerged as a popular housing option that caters to these needs, offering a range of lifestyle benefits that make them an attractive choice for retirees. Living in a retirement village can provide a sense of community and belonging, as well as access to a wide range of amenities and services that cater specifically to the needs and interests of seniors. In this article, we will explore some of the key lifestyle benefits of living in a retirement village and why it may be worth considering as an option for your golden years.
Retirement village vs aged care retirement
Retirement villages are purpose-built, specifically for those in their 50s and above. While there are many differences between a retirement village versus an aged care facility, the biggest difference is that aged care facilities are designed for those with high or low care needs. Whereas retirement villages are catered towards helping you live out your retirement years holistically, while being independent.
Some may even choose to opt for a retirement village with aged care facilities in preparation for their future needs. But on a whole, aged care facilities would be considered a separate industry.
Benefits of living in a retirement village
Retirement villages are purpose-built, which means they’re designed to provide many practical and lifestyle benefits for its residents. Here are five key benefits of living in a village:
1. Low maintenance lifestyle
One of the main benefits of a retirement village lifestyle is that these homes are often designed to be low in maintenance. This will help to relieve some of the pressure and difficulties of having to upkeep a home as most of these tasks will be taken care of by the operator.
2. Independent Living
Retirement villages are purpose-built to provide independence to their residents. This means that residents get to choose exactly how they want to spend their time, and how much (or little) they want to participate in the community. Being purpose-built also means that the homes in the villages are designed with features that promote resident independence without a need to move into an aged care facility. However, these villages often have a 24 hour emergency hotline and medical staff available when needed.
3. Amenities to enjoy
Another perk of living in retirement villages are the endless options of activities that residents can enjoy. Many residents make full use of their free time to rekindle old hobbies or even found new ones. Some have also maintained an active lifestyle as these villages often offer easy access to gyms, golf courses and heated swimming pools.
4. A connected community
More than amenities to enjoy, retirement villages offer opportunities for residents to meet new people and interact with. These villages often have events run by the management so residents can choose to participate (if they choose to do so).
With social isolation becoming a growing problem in Australia, it is especially important for older Australians to stay connected within a community. Living in a retirement village enables residents to connect meaningfully with others with like-minded interests, while maintaining their independence.
5. Security and Assurance
Finally, living in a retirement village provides a sense of security and assurance. Most retirement villages have a range of security features such as cameras, fences and gates so that their residents can have a peace of mind living in their home. Residents who travel can also adopt a lock and leave mentality, knowing that their property is taken care of despite being away. Residents also have access to emergency services should they ever need them.
These are just some of the key lifestyle benefits of living in a retirement village, with many more to discover once you experience it for yourself. If you’re interested to find out more about what it’s like to live in a retirement village, enquire today to get in touch with our staff.